Manchester United will host Leicester City at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night, a crucial match as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing run of home form. The Red Devils have endured their worst home stretch in 131 years, with manager Ruben Amorim under intense pressure after a string of poor results, including a 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.
With Man United's hopes of European football relying heavily on the FA Cup and Europa League, this match presents an opportunity for redemption. Amorim has faced challenges in his tenure, but there is hope with their formidable FA Cup record at home – unbeaten in their last 18 ties, having won 16 of them. Furthermore, Leicester City, despite their own struggles, will be looking to turn things around under former United player and current Leicester boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Team News and Injuries
Manchester United
- Lisandro Martinez is ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, while Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans, and Mason Mount are sidelined.
- Tyrell Malacia has been loaned to PSV Eindhoven.
- Patrick Dorgu could make his debut, and Altay Bayindir is set for a rare start after impressing in the third-round win over Arsenal.
- Marcus Rashford has left the club, and Alejandro Garnacho stays put, but United's search for a striker was unsuccessful in the transfer window.
Leicester City
- Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu are out long-term.
- Wilfred Ndidi is close to returning, but Jannik Vestergaard might lose his place in the starting XI.
- Facundo Buonanotte and Stephy Mavididi could be called upon to add some attacking flair after a heavy loss to Everton last weekend.
Possible Lineups
Manchester United Starting XI:
- Bayindir; Mazraoui, Maguire, De Ligt; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Amad, Hojlund, Fernandes
Leicester City Starting XI:
- Stolarczyk; Coulibaly, Coady, Okoli, Kristiansen; Soumare, Skipp; Buonanotte, El Khannouss, Mavididi; Daka
Match Prediction
With United’s superior form against Leicester this season and their strong FA Cup history at home, we predict a 3-1 victory for Manchester United. Despite their recent struggles, they have the firepower and experience to overpower Leicester, who have struggled for consistency this season. Van Nistelrooy will be aiming to defy the odds, but if Leicester's recent performances are anything to go by, it will be an uphill battle.
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